April is Autism Awareness Month. I have a close friend who has a son on the spectrum. It is through them that I truly became aware of autism and what it is. Her son is highly functioning, but I know the difficulties he can have. When he was young I was one of the only people she allowed to pick him up from school besides herself or her husband. I feel blessed to have learned more about autism from him and I feel blessed to share these two amazing books with you. These books come from the REED Foundation for Autism. Inside each cover jacket it says: "The 'One Big Canvas' book series is an initiative of the REED Foundation for Autism. The series will feature a growing number of titles, characters, and storylines centered on understanding, accepting, and demonstrating kindness to all." The REED Foundation for Autism is committed to providing individuals with autism the opportunity to learn, live, work and thrive at every stage of their lives. For more information, please visit https://www.reedfoundationforautism.org.
Today I am going to share two books with you. Both are written by Mr. Jay and painted by Luis Peres. Both are also about paintbrushes and working together. We will start with One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece written by Jay Miletsky and illustrated by Luis Peres. It is for ages 3-9 and has 24 Pages.
Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382
From the Publisher: Join a spunky collection of paintbrushes as they set out to create a grand masterpiece.
When some of the brushes don’t cooperate, is it because they are misbehaving…or is there another reason entirely? In this story, young readers are introduced to some of the behavioral differences in their autistic peers.
Without ever mentioning any particular challenge or disability by name, this story helps children recognize and understand what autism is, and impress upon them the importance of showing kindness to those who are different, wrapped into a fun story with lighthearted, engaging characters.
They worked through the day, then stopped and admired, the wisdom their now-painted canvas inspired: their painting was perfect, It all meshed just fine, with its colorful circles, and angry green line. It was a true masterpiece, not one thing was wrong, including the hum of their single-note song.
From Me:
I love how this book shares some of the characteristic behaviors of kids with autism without ever stating autism. It talks about the paintbrushes each having his or her own way. They are inclusive and make sure each other is supported and welcome to the group. When one does something that many would say was wrong the other paintbrushes just accept it and go along with it. In the end they all admire their masterpiece. It has each of their personalities in it and that is what makes it beautiful to them.
The second book has the same group of paintbrushes with a special guest! The second book is One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay written by Jay Miletsky and illustrated by Luis Peres for ages 3-9 with 24 pages.
Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382
From the Publisher:
The brushes are back! Join Reese, Estelle and the rest of the gang in the art studio in another adventure as they learn the value of kindness and understanding.
When Clay comes to visit from the other side of the art studio, the brushes are excited to welcome their friend. But when a few of the brushes start acting differently, Clay needs to be reminded that it’s important to be accepting:
Will Clay leave the brushes in frustration, or will he learn to mold his thinking as he comes to understand and accept that brushes have different abilities and challenges? Without ever mentioning autism or any particular disability, The Molding of Clay helps introduce children to the behavioral differences of their autistic peers, creating an opportunity for discussion. It helps teachers and parents impress upon them the importance of understanding, acceptance and kindness, through a fun, lighthearted story with quirky and colorful characters.
When Clay comes to visit from the other side of the art studio, the brushes are excited to welcome their friend. But when a few of the brushes start acting differently, Clay needs to be reminded that it’s important to be accepting:
“Some brushes are different, so we like to remind,
it’s kind to be caring, so take care to be kind.”
Will Clay leave the brushes in frustration, or will he learn to mold his thinking as he comes to understand and accept that brushes have different abilities and challenges? Without ever mentioning autism or any particular disability, The Molding of Clay helps introduce children to the behavioral differences of their autistic peers, creating an opportunity for discussion. It helps teachers and parents impress upon them the importance of understanding, acceptance and kindness, through a fun, lighthearted story with quirky and colorful characters.
From Me:
I love that in this one there is a newcomer. Clay doesn't know about the different behaviors some of the paintbrushes have and points them out. The other paintbrushes remind him to be kind and how they just accept each other. This is a message for any child whether the children have autism or not. The book never mentions autism or disabilities. It just mentions differences and preferences. One of the brushes cannot stand loud noises. Another likes to talk about boats. Just like each person is unique and has his or her own likes, dislikes and quirks, the brushes exhibit them as well. Clay has to learn from the brushes to accept and respect each of them and he does a great job! The book is fun and has important lessons that are great for any child to hear!
I love the messages in both of these books. They can both be related to behaviors of kids with autism but they can also be related to many children without autism. I love that the books teach acceptance, understanding, and kindness. Our society needs more of it! I hope you will check out these great books! Now for a giveaway!! Good luck!
Enter for a chance to win a ‘One Big Canvas’ book series prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
- A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
- A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay
- A $50 Amazon gift card
Two (2) winners receive:
- A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
- A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay
The giveaway begins April 23, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT, and ends May 23, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
